Farmhaus doesn’t host wine dinners very often, but when it does chef-owner (and James Beard Award nominee) Kevin Willmann makes it memorable. On October 23, the restaurant will offer a five-course dinner with wine pairings. Guests will be joined by Michael Hughes of Cooper Mountain Vineyard, located in Oregon's North Willamette Valley, home to the country’s most notable Pinot Noirs. Featured courses include butternut squash pasta with Brussels sprouts and tenderloin medallions with mushrooms and horseradish-garlic potato purée. The wines (including two Pinots and a Gamay Noir) will be available for purchase following the event. The 5:30 p.m. Intimate Seating will be held in the 12-seat bar; the 7:30 Main Seating will be in the 40-seat restaurant. The price is $85 per person. Reserve a seat by calling 314-647-3800 or via Farmhaus' website.

INSIDER TIP

Earthdance Farms Formal

This Friday, October 13, Union Station will host the 10th annual Farmer’s Formal. Spearheaded by EarthDance Farms, the event routinely draws more than 1,000 guests. The “farmraiser” (which raised almost $200,000 last year) enables the organization to sustain its Farm and Garden Apprenticeship Program, offer employment to youth, donate produce to families in need, and develop the organic farm school’s campus. Tickets are available in three tiers: Benefactors ($500) receive valet parking, reserved seating, and an exclusive invitation to a pop-up dinner featuring local, foraged fare from St. Louis’ James Beard Award-nominated chef Rob Connoley; patrons ($250) receive valet parking and reserved seating at the event; guests ($150) and all other ticket holders receive admission to the Farmers Formal, featuring more than 30 local chefs, farmers, and beverage suppliers. Tickets include small plates and drinks, a silent and live auction, as well as live entertainment. Purchase tickets here. (Note: Formal dress is not recommended.)

MICRORANT

Ill-preparedness

There are a lot of things that restaurant owners can let slide on opening day, but several should be on the must-do list. The website should be up and running, even if populated with only basic information. Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts should be established, so potential customers can get on board. The house phone should be operational and equipped with at least a voicemail message with cursory details. The hours should be posted on the door. There should be to-go menus available for the curious and passersby. All of the above can be accomplished by one person in very little time.